Bike patrol implemented on Lake Arlington path

The Arlington Heights Park District has begun a bike patrol of the Lake Arlington path in response to the death a pedestrian who was struck by a bicyclist in June.

The latest safety measure follows changes that took effect shortly after the accident that are aimed at keeping walkers and riders on the path separated.

The district on Aug. 1 launched a safety campaign that includes a staffer who will loop the 2.4-mile path on a bicycle every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to Anita Pacheco, parks spokeswoman. The official park district bicyclist will travel the path two to three times per hour.

The staffer will stop along the way to explain some of the immediate changes that were recently implemented, particularly if they catch someone going the wrong way or are speeding beyond the 8-miles-per-hour limit, Pacheco said.

"We are asking path users to change behavior," she said. "Someone may have a question. Some people may or may not be aware of the interim path changes."

The interim safety campaign began in July in response to the death of Barbara Pagano, 74. She died after being hit by a bicyclist in June while out on her daily walk on the path. The fatal crash is the first of its kind for the park district, officials said.

Among the changes made are the new designations for travel.

The outside lane of the path is for bicycles and users on wheels and is a lane that will travel in a counter-clockwise direction. The inside lane would go in a clockwise direction – those with strollers, wheelchairs and on foot would use this lane, according to a park district release.

Additional signs, crosswalk areas at entry points and painted directional arrows have also been placed on the path. Previously, signs were posted displaying the speed limit and the path was striped but did not indicate traffic flow directions or separate those on wheels from those on foot.

The district also has plans for more permanent solutions going forward.

A public meeting will be held in October to discuss the interim changes and a web page has been set up to solicit feedback, officials said.

The possibility of creating a second, concentric path made of a softer surface—such as gravel—for runners and walkers will also be discussed this fall, according to a park district release. Officials previously said there was no money for such a project, but will now consider it when it plans its upcoming projects.

For now, all of the interim changes are temporary and Pacheco said everything is on the table for the future of the path.

"We're already receiving feedback from the residents. The staff that are out there on the bikes are getting thumbs up from people saying 'we're glad to see you out here,'" Pacheco said.